Eid al-Adha is one of the two key festivals in Islam that is celebrated by Muslims all around the world. Also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, the day honours the act of devotion that the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) carried out. He was ready to sacrifice his son, Ismael (AS), in submission to the command of Allah (SWT). Before he could go through with it, Allah sent down a ram to replace Isamel, which was sacrificed instead. This has taught believers an important lesson about trust and faith in His Oneness. It’s not about the act itself, but it’s about the intention and willingness to obey Allah (SWT).
Today, Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion to his faith is remembered during Eid al-Adha. Able Muslims carry out their own sacrifice to mirror the same devotion Ibrahim (AS) had to Allah (SWT). This sacrifice allows believers to devote themselves to their faith while helping the poor and needy. The meat gets distributed to them so that they can eat a proper meal to celebrate and feel the joys of Eid. Allah reminds us of the true meaning behind this act, telling us: It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him” [Quran 22:37].
Eid al-Adha is not only about a meaningful ritual, but it’s also about compassion and devotion to Allah.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th Day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic calendar. This year, Eid al-Adha is expected to fall on the 27th May. This is, however, subject to the sighting of the moon.
We ask people to confirm the date of Eid al-Adha with their local mosque, whilst using the time to reflect on caring for those in need around the world.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated for 3 days, from the beginning of 10th Dhul Hijjah, till the 13th. Throughout these days, Muslims get together with their friends and families to celebrate the occasion, along with remembering and supporting the less fortunate through their Qurbani and other Sadaqah donations.
So, how is Eid al-Adha celebrated? The day typically starts with the Eid prayer in congregation. This is followed by a sermon that reminds Muslims of faith and unity. As well as this, the celebration is a time for Muslims to wear their best clothing and spend quality time with friends, family and the community.
A key part of the celebrations during Eid al-Adha is the sacrifice, known as Qurbani. Muslims take part in sacrificing an animal, such as a sheep, goat, cow or camel, to show their devotion to Allah (SWT). Once the sacrifice is completed, the meat is divided into portions that are distributed to relatives and those in desperate need. Qurbani helps the poor and hungry to gain vital sustenance and brings hope and joy to them. Most of these people don’t get the chance to celebrate Eid and never get to put meat on the table, so Qurbani makes this happen and is a way to include everyone in the celebration.
Muslim Aid takes your Qurbani donations to handle the sacrifice for you and help those facing unimaginable hunger and poverty. We give these to those who need it most across the world to give them the chance to join in with the spirit of Eid.
The day of Eid al-Adha should also be celebrated in a meaningful way, not just focusing on feasting and celebrating. It should be a day where believers spend their time in remembrance of Allah and reflect on the lessons of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Alongside this, they need to carry out acts of kindness and compassion during the celebrations.
It has been narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) said: “The son of Adam does not do any action on the Day of Sacrifice that is more beloved to Allah than shedding blood (of the sacrifice)” (Tirmidhi).
Though both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are joyous occasions celebrated in similar ways, they both stand for different things. Eid al-Fitr is a celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, the month in which Muslims have spent their time fasting. It is recommended to eat on the morning of Eid al-Fitr. However, for Eid al-Adha, you should delay eating until after the Eid prayer.
Also, Zakatul Fitr (Fitrana) must be given before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. However, for Eid al-Adha, there is no Fitrana, just the sacrifice of an animal if you’re financially able to.
It is not permitted to fast on the day of Eid as it is a day of celebration, a time when families come together to share food amongst themselves and the less fortunate. Muslims are encouraged to share the blessings provided by Allah, especially on this joyous occasion.
Whilst it is forbidden to fast on the day of Eid itself, Muslims choose to fast during the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah. This is especially the case when it comes to the Day of Arafah. Many fast on this day, which occurs on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah and is the day before Eid.
The Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) has said that fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year (Muslim). Fasting on the day of Arafah is highly recommended for those who are not performing Hajj.
Qurbani is the obligatory sacrifice performed during Eid Al-Adha by Muslims who are financially able to do so. It’s a symbol of obedience and devotion to Allah, for His sake. There is also a social purpose to Qurbani, which is to provide a nutritious meal to those who can’t afford it.
Muslim Aid takes Qurbani donations to help those in desperate need. Our team carry out Qurbani programmes that follow Islamic guidelines across different countries to ensure meat can reach families affected by poverty.
Eid al-Adha is during the time of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj in Makkah. Whilst millions of pilgrims come together to perform Hajj, Muslims around the world share the spiritual significance of the month. The sacrifices carried out during this time, along with all the prayers performed, are a means to connect the Muslim community worldwide in worship and compassion.
Eid al-Adha is a time in which Muslims are reminded to care for those less fortunate. The Quran emphasises the acts of mercy and justice, and through distributing the meat during Qurbani, financially able Muslims are able to help struggling families access food with hope and dignity.
As the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) has said “The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people” (Tabarani). Eid Al-Adha is the perfect time for helping those in need and to live by this teaching.
The acts of worship, such as the Eid prayer in the morning and the Qurbani practice, are all the same around the world. Culturally, traditions will differ across countries. Food, clothing and customs vary, but the shared values of faith and kindness are what unite Muslims.
Yes. Zakat can be given at any time of the year, including during Eid al-Adha. Many people choose to donate generously at this time to combine worship with helping those in need.
The Qurbani during Eid al-Adha is there to teach believers about devotion, as well as caring for others. The sacrifice made is to remind Muslims to share their blessings with those in need, turning faith into actions of giving.
How does Muslim Aid support communities during Eid al-Adha?
Muslim Aid takes donations for Qurbani, facilitating and delivering the meat. Alongside this, we provide food aid and emergency support to families in need worldwide during the occasion. This ensures that vulnerable communities affected by hardship can also join in on the celebration of Eid with joy and dignity.
Eid al-Adha reminds you of your obedience to Allah and the willingness to give to others with care and compassion. It’s a time for your faith to be strengthened, for families to unite, and to come together to help those in need.
Don’t miss out on the blessings of this sacred day. Donate your Qurbani today with Muslim Aid.
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